Bleacher Report - Tampa Bay Buccaneershttp://bleacherreport.com/
Bleacher Report - The open source sports networken-us30Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Final Free-Agency Outlook and PredictionsLuke Easterling<p>We're just one week away from the opening of <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> free agency, and once again, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> will have plenty of cap room to spend on improving a roster that posted a league-worst 2-14 record in 2014.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/">According to Spotrac</a>, the Bucs should have around $29 million in <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/">cap space</a> to play with this year, and it's a good thing, because it seems the team has almost as many holes to fill this offseason as they did a year ago.</p>
<p>Much Bucs fans' focus has been on the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, but adding the right veterans during free agency could be just as important as landing a potential franchise quarterback.</p>
<p>Will Tampa Bay be gun-shy about spending big on top names after whiffing on multiple signings last year? Who is hitting the market that would be a good fit for the Bucs? Will any current players get their walking papers before free agency opens?</p>
<p>Here are my projections for how things will shake out for the Bucs come March 10 and beyond.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382950-tampa-bay-buccaneers-final-free-agency-outlook-and-predictions">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 01:25:02 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382950-tampa-bay-buccaneers-final-free-agency-outlook-and-predictions
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382950-tampa-bay-buccaneers-final-free-agency-outlook-and-predictionshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382950-tampa-bay-buccaneers-final-free-agency-outlook-and-predictionsFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinionAnthony Collins Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation on Buccaneers OTTyler Conway<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">A year ago, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> signed <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/anthony-collins">Anthony Collins</a> to serve as the foundation of their offensive line. One disappointing season later, and it appears they're ready to move on. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Continue for updates.</p>
<hr><h2>Buccaneers to Trade or Release Collins</h2>
<h4>Monday, March 2</h4>
<p>Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Tampa Bay will release Collins if it is unable to find a trade partner:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Collins, 29, is scheduled to count $6 million against the cap in 2014, per <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/anthony-collins/">Spotrac</a>. The Buccaneers will have to pay a $3 million surcharge in dead money for trading him or releasing him outright. None of the remaining four years of Collins' contract come with guaranteed salaries, so any team that trades for him would essentially have him on a year-to-year deal.</p>
<p>Collins signed with the Buccaneers last offseason after spending his first six years in Cincinnati. One of the league's best and most versatile backup tackles with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/cincinnati-bengals">Bengals</a>, Tampa Bay signed Collins with the hope he could shore up its blind side.</p>
<p>Things did not go as expected. Collins committed nine penalties&mdash;surpassing his previous career total (seven)&mdash;and he allowed a career-worst four sacks, per <a href="http://stats.washingtonpost.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8889"><em>The&nbsp;Washington P</em><em></em></a><em><a href="http://stats.washingtonpost.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=8889">ost</a></em>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/signature.php?tab=signature&amp;season=2014&amp;pos=otp&amp;teamid=-1&amp;filter=50&amp;conf=-1&amp;yr=-1&amp;wk=1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17">Pro Football Focus'</a>&nbsp;pass-blocking metric ranked Collins 39th among the 54 qualifying offensive tackles last season. His <a href="https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/by_player.php?tab=by_player&amp;season=2014&amp;surn=Collins&amp;playerid=4426&amp;group=1&amp;pre=REG&amp;pre=REG">overall grade</a> was by far the worst of his career.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see what type of market develops. Collins is heading into his age 30 season and is coming off of the worst 10-game stretch of his career.</p>
<p>He also has very little wear-and-tear on his body for someone his age and might have been playing out of position in 2014. The best stretches of Collins' career have typically come when he's playing right tackle, where his run-blocking prowess can be highlighted.</p>
<p>At his 2013 production level, $6 million would be a bargain. As it stands now, the Buccaneers will merely be hoping to get a low-round draft choice before his salary is guaranteed March 12.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Follow Tyler Conway (<a href="https://twitter.com/tylerconway22">@tylerconway22</a>) on Twitter.</em></p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers" title="Tampa Bay Buccaneers analysis, news and photos">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:54:26 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382276-anthony-collins-trade-rumors-latest-buzz-speculation-on-buccaneers-ot
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382276-anthony-collins-trade-rumors-latest-buzz-speculation-on-buccaneers-othttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2382276-anthony-collins-trade-rumors-latest-buzz-speculation-on-buccaneers-otFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersBreaking NewsRumorsAnthony CollinsNFL Trade RumorsTampa Bay Buccaneers' Blueprint for Winning Free AgencyLuke Easterling<p>There truly is no offseason for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a>, and the next stop on the road that is 2015 is upon us, with the opening of free agency just a little over a week away.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> have been active participants in free agency the last few years, signing some of the bigger names on the market over that time. A few have worked out, but many have been disappointments, leading some to wonder if the Bucs will go after any big fish in this year's crop.</p>
<p>According to Spotrac, the Bucs are currently looking at just under <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/">$28 million in cap space</a>, so they definitely have some cash to go shopping with.</p>
<p>Much of the offseason focus for Tampa Bay has centered around the draft&mdash;the Bucs hold the No. 1 overall pick&mdash;but for a 2-14 team going into its second season under general manager Jason Licht and head coach Lovie Smith, free agency could be equally important for filling needs and building depth.</p>
<p>What do the Bucs need to do to make this year's free-agency period a success? Here's my take.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2381752-tampa-bay-buccaneers-blueprint-for-winning-free-agency">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:56:09 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2381752-tampa-bay-buccaneers-blueprint-for-winning-free-agency
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2381752-tampa-bay-buccaneers-blueprint-for-winning-free-agencyhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2381752-tampa-bay-buccaneers-blueprint-for-winning-free-agencyFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinionTampa Bay Buccaneers' Ultimate Free-Agency to-Do ListJason Kanno<p>Though the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> have a long list free-agency tasks, they should have just one benchmark for success: to do better than last year.</p>
<p>Last season, the Bucs added more than $130 million in free-agent contracts. The majority of the money was invested in five players: defensive end Michael Johnson, offensive tackle Anthony Collins, cornerback <span class="spellcheck">Alterraun</span> <span class="spellcheck">Verner</span>, center Evan Dietrich-Smith and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.</p>
<p>The only player of that group to perform consistently was McDonald, though <span class="spellcheck">Verner</span> performed admirably despite his injury problems.</p>
<p>The Bucs can't afford to once again invest large sums in dead weight like Collins and Johnson. That won't be easily avoided, especially considering the crop of free agents this year.</p>
<p>The first thing the Bucs need to do in preparation for free agency is cut their overpaid players, starting with safety <span class="spellcheck">Dashon</span> <span class="spellcheck">Goldson</span> and Collins.</p>
<p>Neither <span class="spellcheck">Goldson</span> nor Collins lived up to his contract since coming to Tampa Bay. Cutting them would save the Bucs <a href="http://overthecap.com/calculator/tampa-bay-buccaneers">$10 million</a> in 2015 cap space, per Over The Cap, more than enough to sign replacements or address other problems on the roster.</p>
<p>Second on the Bucs' list of free-agent priorities is to do what they failed at doing last year: sign a cornerstone offensive lineman.</p>
<p>This year's crop of linemen isn't as strong at the tackle position but is far better at guard. The Bucs need both, which is where <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver</a> guard/tackle Orlando Franklin enters the equation.&nbsp;Franklin, traditionally a right tackle, played left guard this season. At both positions, he is a solid pass-protector and run-blocker.</p>
<p>Versatility and above-average skills make Franklin an expensive free agent, but the Bucs shouldn't be looking to sign many more high-priced players. Last year should have taught them that.</p>
<p>Next, the Bucs need to focus on bargain buys, players who won't garner much of a payday on the market but could make significant impacts in Tampa Bay.</p>
<p>Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald is a prime example. Signed for a paltry four-year, $12 million contract, McDonald had the best season of all of the Bucs' free-agent signings.</p>
<p>The Bucs should go right back to defensive tackles this year. The Cowboys passed on Henry Melton's <a href="http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2015/02/source-dallas-cowboys-decline-to-pick-up-3-year-option-on-dt-henry-meltons-contract-making-him-a-free-agent.html/">three-year option</a> last week, making him a free agent. Now looking at his third team in as many years, the former Chicago Bear needs to get his career back on track, and the best place for that might be with the head coach who helped launch it in the first place.</p>
<p>Melton could be a perfect sub for Gerald McCoy, who played an absurd <a href="https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/by_player.php?tab=by_player&amp;season=2014&amp;surn=mccoy&amp;playerid=5528&amp;group=6&amp;pre=REG&amp;pre=REG">1,673 snaps</a> in the past two years according to Pro Football Focus. Signing Melton would protect the Bucs' <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000416827/article/bucs-gerald-mccoy-signs-7year-extension-up-to-98m">$98 million investment</a> in McCoy.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Bucs need to find an inexpensive fix for their defensive end problems. It is unlikely they will cut DE Michael Johnson, as it would only save Tampa Bay $2 million off his $9 million cap number in 2015, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://overthecap.com/player/michael-johnson/938/">Over The Cap</a>.</p>
<p>With so much money invested in a four-sack pass-rusher, the Bucs need to be frugal and creative. The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/cleveland-browns">Cleveland Browns</a>' <span class="spellcheck">Jabaal</span> <span class="spellcheck">Sheard</span> and the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a>' George <span class="spellcheck">Selvie</span> could be their best options.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Sheard</span> has talent but not the production to match due in large part to the Browns' constant coaching and alignment changes. <span class="spellcheck">Selvie</span> isn't a great pass-rusher but in rotation could prove useful and inexpensive. With <span class="spellcheck">Jacquies</span> Smith still getting the hang of things, the Bucs could offer <span class="spellcheck">Selvie</span> a starting gig with Smith rotating in as a third-down rusher.</p>
<p>Strong rotations and depth set good teams apart from the mediocre ones. The Bucs struggled with depth, particularly at cornerback.</p>
<p>The Bucs signed Mike Jenkins last year to compete for a starting job, but he played in only one game. Losing him short-staffed the Bucs at cornerback for the rest of the season. They can't afford to let this continue next season.</p>
<p>Veteran <span class="spellcheck">cornerbacks</span> are plentiful in this year's free-agent market. The Bucs have another opportunity to sign the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/chicago-bears">Bears</a>' Charles Tillman. Will <span class="spellcheck">Blackmon</span>, who <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000474227/article/jacksonville-jaguars-release-cb-will-blackmon">was released</a> by the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/jacksonville-jaguars">Jaguars</a> this week per <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a>.com's Marc <span class="spellcheck">Sessler</span>, might still have some decent play left in him.</p>
<p>The Bucs can't afford another wasted year in free agency. By fulfilling these items, the Bucs can show they are capable of progress and maybe improve in the standings next season.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers" title="Tampa Bay Buccaneers analysis, news and photos">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:10:16 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378075-tampa-bay-buccaneers-ultimate-free-agency-to-do-list
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378075-tampa-bay-buccaneers-ultimate-free-agency-to-do-listhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378075-tampa-bay-buccaneers-ultimate-free-agency-to-do-listFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinion5 Pass-Rushers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Must Consider in the 2015 NFL DraftLuke Easterling<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> had plenty of rebuilding to do heading into last offseason but, unfortunately for their fans, the 2015 offseason is simply "Phase 2" for a franchise with plenty of holes still left to fill.</p>
<p>One area of need the Bucs thought they addressed last year was adding a dynamic pass-rusher to their front four. But after signing a lucrative deal with the team in free agency, Michael Johnson turned in a disappointing 2014 season, managing just four sacks and rarely having a significant impact on opposing quarterbacks.</p>
<p>Thankfully for Tampa Bay, this year's draft class features an incredibly deep class of edge-rushers. It's possible they could grab one in free agency, but with so many attractive prospects available at the position, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Bucs grab one at some point in the draft.</p>
<p>Assuming they take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, here are five pass-rushers the Bucs should target in Rounds 2-4.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378726-5-pass-rushers-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-must-consider-in-the-2015-nfl-draft">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Fri, 27 Feb 2015 03:18:21 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378726-5-pass-rushers-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-must-consider-in-the-2015-nfl-draft
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378726-5-pass-rushers-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-must-consider-in-the-2015-nfl-drafthttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2378726-5-pass-rushers-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-must-consider-in-the-2015-nfl-draftNFL DraftFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinion2015 NFL DraftUpdating Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1st-Round Big Board Post-CombineLuke Easterling<p>With the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine in the books, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> are likely narrowing their focus with regard to the No. 1 overall pick.</p>
<p>Both <span class="spellcheck">Jameis</span> Winston and Marcus <span class="spellcheck">Mariota</span> participated in throwing drills, showing off their skills as passers and impressing all who were in attendance. The Bucs are expected to spend the top selection on one of the two quarterbacks but with still two months remaining until the draft, nothing is set in stone.</p>
<p>It's still possible the Bucs could trade down from the pick, looking to stockpile additional selections they can use to address their many needs. The combine featured impressive performances from multiple pass-rushers, a few of whom Tampa Bay could target if they move down a few spots in the first round.</p>
<p>Who are the top five players that should be on the Bucs' radar with the top pick? Here's my take.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2375493-updating-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1st-round-big-board-post-combine">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:09:06 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2375493-updating-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1st-round-big-board-post-combine
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2375493-updating-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1st-round-big-board-post-combinehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2375493-updating-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1st-round-big-board-post-combineNFL DraftFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinion2015 NFL DraftTampa Bay Buccaneers: Latest Free Agency News and RumorsJason Kanno<p>Free agency was an unmitigated disaster for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> last offseason. Ironically, their failures last year force the Bucs to once again dive headfirst into the free agency pool this year.</p>
<p>Bucs head coach Lovie Smith won't be disheartened by last season's unsuccessful acquisitions and will <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/bucs-free-agent-failures-wont-stop-them-from-trying-again/2218456">be active</a> in the free agent market, according to Rick <span class="spellcheck">Stroud</span> of the <em>Tampa Bay Times</em>.</p>
<p>Though Smith makes it clear in the article that the Bucs are building through the draft, he also said, "you still have to use free agency when you feel the need. We felt the need coming in and didn't know our roster well. We know our roster a lot better now."</p>
<p>Smith should then know that his team has a myriad of needs. The offensive line remains a mess, the secondary and defensive line need upgrades and depth is a concern at nearly every position.</p>
<p>The Bucs are due to lose most<span class="st">&mdash;</span>if not all<span class="st">&mdash;</span>of their 2011 draft class this offseason. Defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and <span class="spellcheck">Da'Quan</span> Bowers and linebacker Mason Foster are all free agents who have been given no indication that they will be re-signed by Tampa Bay.</p>
<p>What Tampa Bay does have is cap space. According to s<span class="spellcheck">potrac.com</span>, the Bucs are <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/cap/2015/">$27 million under</a> the 2015 salary cap. With that kind of money, the Bucs can afford to sign one or two top free agents like <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-broncos">Denver</a>'s Orlando Franklin or New York's Jason Pierre-Paul.</p>
<p>Here are some of the latest news and rumors from the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> free agent market that might impact the Bucs this offseason.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2373343-tampa-bay-buccaneers-latest-free-agency-news-and-rumors">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:01:07 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2373343-tampa-bay-buccaneers-latest-free-agency-news-and-rumors
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2373343-tampa-bay-buccaneers-latest-free-agency-news-and-rumorshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2373343-tampa-bay-buccaneers-latest-free-agency-news-and-rumorsFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersRankings/List5 Hidden Gems the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Have Noticed at the CombineLuke Easterling<p>The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books, and as usual, fans and draft analysts alike are all abuzz with the results.</p>
<p>The event risks valuing a single workout over years of on-field effectiveness, but the combine is indeed useful for showcasing a player's overall athleticism&mdash;or lack thereof&mdash;as well as his ability to handle the pressure of such a daunting job interview.</p>
<p>There are plenty of big names that take the headlines every year, but the combine also tends to reveal a few hidden gems who make the most of the big stage.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> are a team without much quality depth across the board, which makes it imperative that they not only hit on their early picks, but also on the later selections. Who are the diamonds in the rough the Bucs' decision-makers should have taken note of in Indy this past week? Here's my take.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2374232-5-hidden-gems-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-should-have-noticed-at-the-combine">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:21:21 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2374232-5-hidden-gems-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-should-have-noticed-at-the-combine
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2374232-5-hidden-gems-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-should-have-noticed-at-the-combinehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2374232-5-hidden-gems-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-should-have-noticed-at-the-combineNFL DraftFootballNFLNFC SouthTampa Bay BuccaneersOpinion2015 NFL Draft